Sam & Zoe's

11/20/09

Sadly, not what it used to be

by jbbythesea at Citysearch

I was a regular there for years and it was great, but I've decided I've given this place enough chances since the change in ownership, and I'm not planning on going back.

In the past, it was a nearby spot that I knew I could count on for quality coffee and espresso, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and a great sandwich, but all that has drastically changed over the past year.

First, most of the employees now seem to not really care about customers. They rarely even say "Hello". Actually, it seems like it's always someone new behind the counter, too. Only a couple of them are friendly, and the owner, I believe, has been the rudest of all. Every time I went there before this changeover, my lattes were perfect, and there was no surprise considering how many award-winning baristas they used to have. Now, they only occasionally get a drink right, but most of the time, the shots are no good and the milk is flat. Plus, they don't have a very broad variety of brewed coffee to choose from anymore and they usually can't tell me anything about it. Second, the food is mediocre and just not as fresh. It doesn't surprise me though looking around at lunch and seeing less than half the restaurant full, and the place is small. I'm also pretty sure the pepperoni on a pizza bagel I got once, was rancid. I couldn't finish it and felt awful later.

No one that works there now even seems to know what's in the items they're serving, either. They don't even put to-go sandwiches in bags anymore, they just loosely wrap them, so if you get chips and a drink, have fun juggling on your way out.

In addition, I have to say I also miss the local art on the walls, huge refrigerators NOT on the nice porch, the awesome tofu sandwich, and all the extra muffins, house-made treats, and chocolate bars.

Sorry, Sam & Zoe's, it was good while it lasted.

• Pros: Drew's Brews
• Cons: Employee attitude, Generic atmosphere, Not-so-fresh food

05/26/09

New Owners, Lost its appeal

by TheHansenHerald at Citysearch

I went to S&Z's recently to get my all time fave, the TLT deluxe, and enjoy a lunch hour reading the Scene and drinking fling tea. Unfortunately, they don't have the TLT deluxe and was told that it was because of the new ownership. Why change something that was obviously loved? The place overall does not have the same feel and I am sad to say I have not been back since.

• Pros: Reminds me of the old S&Z's, Fling Tea
• Cons: Missing the TLT Deluxe, place doesn't have the same coziness

04/24/09

Wish items had remained same.

by MC1979 at Citysearch

Went back to show my friend the veggie burger that was so good the one time I had it. Unfortunately it was a pre-bought patty and felt like a waste of time even dining there. Also was bummed the pasta salad was different and sorta dry.

Liked some of the new things inside the place but really must fix the food back to the standards it was before I would return.